The U.S. wanted California
Polk had Taylor and the U.S. army bild a fort in disputed area between Nueces & Rio Grand
Mexicans attacked fort Brown, Taylor counterattacked

Northern phase of war
Zachary Taylor attacked Northern Mexico and lost
Santa Anna at Buena Vista - 1847
Polk concerned about Taylor's popularity, replaced him with Winfield Scott
Southern phase of war
Scott marched on Mexico City, seized it

Stephen Kirne seized California
Mexicans won first battle
Kirne joined with fleet at coast, marched on San Fransisco
John C. Freemont
Part of Kirne's group
Made a "republic" of himself and a few hundred friends
Declared California independent
Made an excuse for U.S. to claim California

Feb. 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Mexico ceded northern territories to U.S. for $15 million